Edward O. Wilson's Biophilia Hypothesis

Edward O. Wilson's Biophilia Hypothesis

A somewhat controversial hypothesis put forward by Edward Wilson is the
idea that humans evolved as creatures deeply enmeshed with the intricacies
of nature, and that we still have this affinity with nature ingrained in
our genotype.

Edward O. Wilson, a
Harvard University entomologist, coined the term "biophilia",
referring to humans' "love of living things" - our innate
affinity with nature.

Wilson describes biophilia as the "innate tendency to focus on
life and lifelike processes."

Quotes by Wilson about Biophilia &
related topics

Most children have a bug period, and I never grew out of mine.
Edward O. Wilson, Naturalist

Humanity is exalted not because
we are so far above other living creatures, but because knowing them
well elevates the very concept of life.
Edward O. Wilson, Biophilia, 1984, p. 22

I have argued in this book that
we are human in good part because of the particular way we affiliate
with other organisms. They are the matrix in which the human mind
originated and is permanently rooted, and they offer the challenge and
freedom innately sought. To the extent that each person can feel like a
naturalist, the old excitement of the untrammeled world will be
regained. I offer this as a formula of reenchantment to invigorate
poetry and myth: mysterious and little known organisms live within
walking distance of where you sit. Splendor awaits in minute
proportions.
Edward O. Wilson, Biophilia, 1984, p. 139

The one process now going on that
will take millions of years to correct is the loss of genetic and
species diversity by the destruction of natural habitats. This is the
folly our descendants are least likely to forgive us.
Edward O. Wilson, Biophilia, 1984, p, 121